Private school1.9K

Moravian University

Bethlehem, PA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

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BM Music Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Composition majors take two major lessons: composition lessons plus lessons in a performance concentration

Curriculum includes Western music history through Contemporary Music since 1945, musicianship, harmony, and conducting

Composers present their own works and also perform in their primary performance area

33-unit degree (23 units of music) within a liberal-arts framework

Performance & Productions

Student composers Nina Worsley '25 and Calvin Deifer '26 were recognized by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra in its chamber music composition competition, with their pieces premiered at the New Chamber Music Concert in Peter Hall (October 2024)

Compositions can be read and performed by department ensembles including Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, BIG Band, and the University Choir

Facilities

All-Steinway School — 28 Steinway pianos on campus funded through the Piano Fund initiative

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.55

Admit rate

54%

school-wide

Grad rate

72%

Enrollment

1.9K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$57,250

Before aid

Average net price

$30,670

After aid

Tuition Fees 2026 27 · moravian.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Composition majors take two major lessons: composition lessons plus lessons in a performance concentration

Curriculum includes Western music history through Contemporary Music since 1945, musicianship, harmony, and conducting

Composers present their own works and also perform in their primary performance area

33-unit degree (23 units of music) within a liberal-arts framework

Performance & Productions

Compositions can be read and performed by department ensembles including Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, BIG Band, and the University Choir

Facilities

All-Steinway School — 28 Steinway pianos on campus funded through the Piano Fund initiative

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Composition majors take two major lessons: composition lessons plus lessons in a performance concentration

Curriculum includes Western music history through Contemporary Music since 1945, musicianship, harmony, and conducting

Composers present their own works and also perform in their primary performance area

33-unit degree (23 units of music) within a liberal-arts framework

Performance & Productions

Compositions can be read and performed by department ensembles including Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, BIG Band, and the University Choir

Facilities

All-Steinway School — 28 Steinway pianos on campus funded through the Piano Fund initiative

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Enrollment Deposit DeadlineMay 1, 2026

First Year · moravian.edu

Prescreen Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Portfolio / Creative Sample

Composition portfolio: submit a portfolio of original compositions for faculty review

Portfolio scores and recordings: include scores and recordings of the works; live performance recordings are preferred, and MIDI is acceptable when no live recording exists

Repertoire List

Composition majors must maintain and audition in a primary vocal or instrumental performance area by preparing two contrasting pieces on that instrument or voice

Memorization is preferable; a polished performance of an easier work is preferred over a sloppy performance of a more difficult one

Scales & Technique

Instrumentalists: be prepared to play, from memory, major scales in all 12 keys plus the chromatic scale

Accompaniment

The college provides an accompanist for vocal auditions if notified at least two weeks before the audition

Instrumental auditions are generally heard without accompaniment

Audition Requirements · moravian.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply via Common App or directly through Moravian University

No application fee for either pathway

Test-optional admission

Eligibility

University Admissions determines admission to the university

Music Department determines whether the student is admitted as a music major

What's The Process

Audition Process

Interview with the Music Chair or a music faculty advisor is required

Contact Deanna Portz at portzd@moravian.edu or 610-861-1651 to schedule

Complete the Music Major Information Form at least two weeks before your audition date

Audition Expectations

In-person audition at Moravian University campus

Audition in your primary performance area (vocal or instrumental)

Composition applicants submit a portfolio of original works (scores and recordings) for faculty review

Ear Training Exam

Matching pitch

Sight-singing a melody

Singing ascending and descending simple intervals

Identifying triads

Performing rhythms

Piano Proficiency Exam

Sight-reading of simple songs with accompaniment

Playing and singing a simple song

Improvising a varied accompaniment (e.g., Alberti bass or block-chord harmonization)

Adding chords (I, IV, V) at sight to a simple melody

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.55

Admit rate

54%

school-wide

Grad rate

72%

Enrollment

1.9K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$57,250

Before aid

Average net price

$30,670

After aid

Tuition Fees 2026 27 · moravian.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Composition majors take two major lessons: composition lessons plus lessons in a performance concentration

Curriculum includes Western music history through Contemporary Music since 1945, musicianship, harmony, and conducting

Composers present their own works and also perform in their primary performance area

33-unit degree (23 units of music) within a liberal-arts framework

Performance & Productions

Compositions can be read and performed by department ensembles including Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, BIG Band, and the University Choir

Facilities

All-Steinway School — 28 Steinway pianos on campus funded through the Piano Fund initiative

Updated 2d ago